How can I find more information about my grandpa's mandolin?

Question

I recently obtained my grandpa's mandolin. It's a Gibson (at least that's what it says on it in red lettering). It's stamped F41 on the inside and has a serial number 936H305 on the inside. I would guess he got it in the early to mid 1930's. It's rather plain looking - round body, dark finish, oval opening. Not too flashy. Any suggestions as to what model it is and whether or not it's an authentic Gibson?

GeneParmesan · Accepted Answer

Hmmm.  From my un-scientific research, it looks like the mandolin was maybe made in 1935.  There's no Gibson model F41 mandolin.  There's an F4 mandolin, so your grandpa's mandolin might be an F4.  Does it say The Gibson or just Gibson on the peghead?  Is there binding around the peghead?  Is there a checkerboard inlay around the sound hole?  Is the red Gibson lettering on the inside stamp?  Try comparing your mandolin to pictures of Gibson mandolins on line.  In the '30s, Gibson made an F-2, F-4, F-5, F-7, F-10, and F-12.

Here's a website that lists Gibson model guitars and mandolins and information about models, serial numbers, etc.  There's a lot of info there, so you'll have to do a fair amount of looking-up.  Maybe this'll be of some help.

http://home.provide.net/~cfh/gibson.html

Gibson mandolins are highly sought-after and very valuable.  Sounds like your grandpa has a real gem.

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How can I find more information about my grandpa's mandolin?

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